Metal Braces can be silver or gold colored. Metal brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of daily interaction. When initially attached they may be a little irritating to your gums, but patients normally get used to it. Cheeks and gums grow tough and adapt. Most traditional metal braces are installed with elastic rubber bands. These are called ligatures and they keep the arch and the bracket attached to each other. The ligatures are usually available in multiple colors, so you at least have a little say on how it looks.